In the heart of Hoogeveen, a charming town in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands, lies the illustrious Museum De 5000 Morgen. Known locally as Huize Venendal, this monumental house at Hoofdstaat 9 stands as a testament to centuries of history, architectural evolution, and cultural significance. Originally constructed in the 17th century and extensively remodeled in 1888, this distinguished building is now a Rijksmonument, a designation that underscores its importance in Dutch heritage.
The story of Museum De 5000 Morgen begins in 1646 when Hendrik Schaep, a member of the noble Schaep family and provost of the Utrecht Mariakerk chapter, commissioned the construction of a moated country retreat in Hoogeveen. Hendrik's involvement in the Compagnie van de 5000 Morgen, founded by his cousin Roelof van Echten, brought him to this region. In 1653, Roelof’s son, Johan van Echten, built a workers' house south of Hendrik’s estate. However, a conflict arose when Johan gifted the land to Hendrik, leading to a dispute that was only resolved in 1662 after Johan’s death, when Hendrik finally acquired the property.
After Hendrik Schaep's death in 1668, the estate changed hands, being sold to Ritmeester Hendrik van Echten, Johan’s brother. Financial constraints meant that Van Echten could only purchase the estate with the help of a guarantor, Jan Andries de Vriese. By the time of purchase, the main building required repairs, but the calamities of 1672 – when troops from the Bishop of Münster and later the State troops occupied and damaged the house – rendered it uninhabitable. Consequently, the main building was repurposed as a farm, and the gatehouse became the primary residence, with the original structure eventually being demolished.
In 1856, Anne Willen van Holthe tot Echten, the owner at the time, had to demolish part of the gatehouse due to the widening of a nearby canal. He added an extension to the right side of the house. The estate saw another significant change in 1872 when it was sold to Jonkheer Jan Arent Godert van der Wijck, the mayor of Hoogeveen. The most transformative renovation occurred in 1888 under the ownership of Marinus and Johanna Rahder. The municipal architect, Hendrik Hoegsma, designed a new façade that gave the house its current eclectic appearance with Neo-Renaissance elements.
In 1898, the house was purchased by Samuel Veldman-Boer, who would be its last private owner. In 1953, the Onderlinge Brandwaarborg Maatschappij Hoogeveen acquired the property and used it as office space, with part of the building serving as a residence. From 1967 to 1976, the building housed a library before becoming home to Museum De 5000 Morgen, which remained there until its relocation to the library in 2015. For a few years, Kunsthuis Venendal occupied the space, and since 2022, it has been used by a company.
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Huize Venendal, the original name of Museum De 5000 Morgen, was initially built in 1653. The cellars from this period still remain. The house as it stands today is the result of the 1888 renovation, characterized by its eclectic style and Neo-Renaissance elements. The 1857 extension on the south side and a 2001 expansion for the museum are also notable features. The building is constructed from brick, with a T-shaped floor plan. The front house boasts a truncated hipped roof, while the rear section has a truncated gable roof.
The symmetrical front façade is particularly striking, with a central entrance flanked by pilasters, a balcony, and a projecting dormer. The corner sections of the façade, adorned with pilasters, are chamfered. H-windows are positioned on either side of the entrance. The rear part of the house is largely plastered. Three gable stones embedded in the house bear the years 1653, 1857, and 1888, marking significant phases in the building’s history – the original construction of Johan van Echten’s workers' house and the 19th-century renovations.
Though Museum De 5000 Morgen has since relocated, the building itself remains a cultural beacon in Hoogeveen. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and the stories encapsulated within its walls make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike. As you stroll through Hoogeveen, the sight of this majestic house transports you back through the centuries, offering a glimpse into the lives and times of its many inhabitants.
In conclusion, Museum De 5000 Morgen, or Huize Venendal, is more than just a historical building; it is a symbol of Hoogeveen's rich heritage and an enduring monument to the architectural and cultural evolution of the region. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor exploring the picturesque town of Hoogeveen, a visit to this iconic house promises to be a journey through time, filled with fascinating stories and timeless beauty.
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